Christian Aid is joining with other organisations in a campaign to tell political leaders that if they take strong action to tackle the structural causes of hunger, there will be enough to meet the needs of Earth’s 870 million hungry people, writes Christian Aid regional co-ordinator, Christine Jadav.

The ‘Enough Food For Everyone IF’ multi-agency campaign was launched in Cornwall on 26 January at a rally outside Truro Cathedral. IF tackles four issues head on: aid, tax, land and transparency.

1 in 8 people in the world will go to bed hungry every night, yet our planet provides enough food for everyone. This is unfair, unjust and frankly, totally preventable. We can overcome hunger IF we:

  • give aid to help the poorest people feed themselves
  • stop big companies dodging tax in poor countries
  • stop poor farmers being forced off their land
  • force governments and big corporations to be honest and transparent about their actions.

 

2013 gives us the opportunity to speak out and challenge world leaders to listen because, in March we see the Budget where both aid and tax will be on the agenda. In June the British Government will be chairing the G8 summit in Northern Ireland. And prior to the G8, David Cameron is holding a ‘Hunger’ Summit.

All of these are great opportunities for us to speak out and encourage world leaders to take action. Our Prime Minister needs to hear the message loud and clear from the UK Public that the current situation is unacceptable.

For the IF campaign to be a success, we need you to join with thousands of others in taking action by:

  • lobbying your MP about the campaign by signing up here 
  • organising an event at your church to raise awareness of the campaign
  • joining us at events throughout 2013 to call for hunger justice.

Take five minutes now to think and pray about how you and your church could join in with the campaign. Is there an existing group of people who you could spur on to get involved? Or could you speak to your church’s leadership about how to incorporate the campaign message into sermons, prayers or notices in the next few months?

In Cornwall, we are asked especially to lobby our MPs between now and 15 March. If you need further information, contact Chris Jadav at CJadav@christian-aid.org or call 07896 361520.

Related links

Campaigning tips – ranging from how to lobby your MP to how to organise an effective event:  www.christianaid.org.uk/actnow.

IF Campaign resources  – including Christian Aid worship resources for churches:  www.christianaid.org.uk/if

Letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne MP:  www.christianaid.org.uk/Images/if-campaign-template-letter-to-george-osborne_tcm15-67051.pdf